Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud dismissed Defence Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur amid US lobbying due to Nur’s close ties with Turkey. This change reflects increasing US pressure regarding security cooperation against al-Shabab and concerns over Turkish military agreements in Somalia. While some view the dismissal positively, Turkish officials maintain that ties with Somalia will remain strong based on institutional relationships.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has dismissed Defence Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur after lobbying from the United States military, as revealed by sources to Middle East Eye. Nur has been reassigned to the role of Minister of Ports, amidst indications that US military support for Somalia in its fight against al-Shabab, a designated terrorist organization, has diminished.
The dismissal follows concerns over Nur’s initiatives to strengthen military and energy partnerships with Turkey, which have reportedly made US officials uneasy. Under his oversight, Somalia and Turkey formalized a comprehensive naval, trade, and defence agreement last year, aimed at fostering a Somali navy and exploring energy resources.
Nur, who is fluent in Turkish and a graduate of Ankara University, has established substantial connections with Turkey’s leadership. A Somali official disclosed that US military officers persistently urged President Mohamud to dismiss Nur due to his inadequate coordination with American forces and indicated the need for access to the terms of the February agreement.
Moreover, the US expressed displeasure with Turkey’s plans for a spaceport in Somalia and its concurrent agreements for oil and gas resource exploration. The deployment of Turkish drones in Mogadishu to confront al-Shabab was reportedly the tipping point, leading to a clear message from Washington regarding the reconsideration of security cooperation if Nur remained in place.
The US embassy in Mogadishu recently issued a security warning concerning potential al-Shabab attacks, resulting in flight cancellations from Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. Additionally, US military actions against the Islamic State and reduced funding for Somalia’s elite Danab Special Forces have created financial strain on the Somali government, as noted by Somali Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh.
While some view Nur’s removal positively, suggesting a fresh leadership approach, a Turkish official reassured that the dismissal would not jeopardize relations between Turkey and Somalia. Emphasizing a foundation of institutional cooperation, Turkish officials reiterated their commitment to contributing to Somalia’s infrastructure and defense. Experts advocate that future collaboration will prioritize institutional support rather than individual relationships, thereby reinforcing the strategic partnership aligned with mutual interests.
The dismissal of Defence Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, influenced by US pressures, reflects shifting dynamics in international relations concerning Somalia’s security strategies. While concerns regarding military partnerships with Turkey contributed to this political move, officials maintain that institutional ties between Somalia and Turkey remain intact. Moving forward, the emphasis will be on bolstering collaboration that aligns with mutual interests and reinforces Somalia’s fight against terrorism.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
